Month: May 2015

The self-effacing man who created the World Wide Web does not fancy staring at a computer screen if he can help it hence when the National Portrait Gallery commissioned a portrait of Sir Tim Berners-Lee – the inventor of what has now become the internet – he opted to pose with his trusted rucksack without any gizmo in sight. The painted bronze sculpture, by artist Sean Henry, shows Berners-Lee standing at two-thirds life-size on a tall plinth, carrying the leather rucksack in which he keeps his laptop. Apart from photographs, it is the computer scientist’s first commissioned portrait. Henry spent two days with Berners-Lee in Boston, observing and photographing him at work and visiting him at home, before inviting him to two further sittings at his studio in Britain. Commissioned by the NPG to celebrate Sir Tim’s 60th birthday, the choice of Henry to make a painted sculpture came out of discussions with the sitter and his wife, and the wish to move away from the usual photographic depiction of Berners-Lee seated in front of a computer. …

The culture vultures of west London have never had it so good as Art15 London, returns to Olympia’s grand exhibition halls for a third year running. It is already looking like a crowded calendar with punters spoilt for choice in terms of visual arts. There is also the inaugural Photo London and Chelsea Flower Show vying for supremacy. Read more: Photo London – A City Finally in the Frame But the opening night preview is when organisers try to woo a discerning audience of collectors and visitors. The inaugural edition of the fair, Art13 London, attracted galleries and artists from across the globe and welcomed 25,000 visitors over three days, including a host of celebrities, from fashion photographer Mario Testino to One Direction heart-throb Harry Styles. It was widely acclaimed as the most vibrant fair to debut in the capital in a decade with a varied programme for visitors and serious art connoisseurs. What started as a toe-in-the-water event now seems well-established on the crowded London arts calendar attracting celebrities, art dealers, green-horn collectors, families …

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has revealed a torrent of Twitter abuse aimed at her after results of the general election saw the Scottish National Party sweep to a landslide victory in Scotland. She wrote: “It isn’t always fun being a famous woman on Twitter and I believe in standing up to bullies.” The millionairess was born in London and has a £4.5m Georgian home in Kensington but has attracted a lot of vitriol since she donated £1m to the ‘No’ campaign during the Scottish independence referendum. Reacting to the abuse the author said her “personal line had been crossed”. @UFOria_ the image of any political party. It isn't always fun being a famous woman on Twitter and I believe in standing up to bullies. — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 9, 2015 She had also donated £1m to the Labour Party who suffered a wipe-out in Scotland as the SNP won 56 out of 59 seats under the leadership of Nicola Sturgeon. She revealed she had been called a ‘traitor’ for her political views and …

Would the soaring rhetoric of a Winston Churchill have been suited to the political campaign slugfest of the 21st century? For them, no battle-buses, digital and social media gurus or American campaign strategists. Just a trusted open-top wagon with all the passion and oratorical skills they could muster. Fast-forward to 2015 and the UK general elections is shaping up to be the most-covered elections in modern times, thanks to a plethora of media platforms, social media, streaming apps and do-it-yourself broadcasting tools. But perhaps devoid of the human affection and interaction with which a Churchill would have been more familiar. Apart from the traditional voter, modern-day politicians also have to appeal to the millennials who inhabit a digital world exclusively. In the mix are also an array of hyperlocal news sites and irreverent forums where locals vent their spleen. Politicians indeed have their work cut out as they try to spread their message and canvass for votes. And yes, there is no hiding place from the media glare and public scrutiny. Photo opportunities that go awry …

Welcome to our handy, irreverent A-Z guide to political-speak, soundbite and mumbo jumbo you are likely to be bombarded with in the final days of campaigning and afterwards. Politicians are the masters of obfuscation, doublespeak and cliched language. We cut through the bombast in simple language and make everything clearer.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have continued to receive messages of congratulations and close family visitors to their Kensington Palace home in west London after the birth of their second child at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital. Read more: Royal Baby: It’s a Princess Royal Baby: Will it be Alice, Diana or Elizabeth The Prince of Wales and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, were early visitors to Kensington Palace to see his second grandchild. The duchess’ parents, Michael and Carole and her sister Pippa Middleton have also been to see the new baby. Kensington Palace said the Cambridges were “hugely grateful for the messages of congratulations they have received from people from all over the world”. A spokesperson announced on Twitter: “It means a great deal to them that so many people have celebrated the arrival of their new daughter.” Prince Harry who is on military duties in Australia said he couldn’t wait to meet his beautiful niece. Prince Harry has said about his new niece: "She is absolutely beautiful. I …

David Beckham has indeed settled effortlessly into life in west London as the instagram post below shows on a recent visit to his local cafe in Kensington. The man who gave us the sarong and blonde cornrows has a lot to celebrate as he hits his 40-year milestone. Friend and sportswriter Matthew Syed paid a glowing tribute to one of Britain’s sporting and cultural icons in The Times. In fact he can count him as a friend, having penned his biography. He paints an endearing picture of a likeable personality and caring father. His red line? Not even a commercial opportunity will stand between brand Beckham and the school run. “I can’t complain because there are so many aspects of being famous that are a privilege.” David Beckham decided to join us for breakfast this morning ☕️⚽️ #pastthepond #davidbeckham A post shared by Ashley ❣️ (@ashleeyy__nicole) on Apr 25, 2015 at 7:57am PDT Local delicacy: David Beckham blends in at the Montparnasse cafe in Kensington He regards the constant adulation as a small price to …